Mattress Incorporating a Headrest for Preventing and Correcting Non-Synostotic Cranial Deformities in Infants

ABSTRACT

A device for correcting the shape of an infant&#39;s abnormally-shaped cranium by applying external forces over time with the growth of an infant to achieve normal shaping of the infant&#39;s head. The device applies inwardly-directed external forces only to areas of bony prominence and minimizes (or altogether eliminates) these forces on the areas of the skull that are less prominent (or flattened). Because the present invention is non-conforming to the shape of an abnormal skull, the exerted forces cause accelerated expansion of the skull in less prominent (flattened) areas coincident with brain and skull growth. This causes the cranium to return to a normal symmetric cranial shape. The material that contacts the infant&#39;s cranium is semi-rigid, relatively non-flexible, and maintains its overall shape under stress. For an infant with an already normally-shaped cranium, the device causes the infant&#39;s cranium to grow evenly and maintain its normal shape, and thus prevents abnormal cranial shaping.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application claiming priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/684,604 filed Mar. 10, 2007, which is acontinuation-in-part application claiming priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/449,402 filed Jun. 8, 2006. Each of theseapplications is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a mattress incorporating aheadrest in which an infant's cranium is positioned while the infant issleeping to prevent and correct cranial deformities. More specifically,the invention relates to a mattress incorporating a headrest forpreventing and correcting any non-synostotic deformity of the side andposterior aspects of an infant's head.

2. Description of Related Art

At birth, the six cranial bones comprising an infant's skull are spacedfar enough apart to allow the skull to rapidly grow during the firstmonths of the infant's life. This spacing also allows the bones tooverlap so the infant's head can pass through the birth canal withoutcompressing, and thereby damaging, the infant's brain. Eventually—sometime between three and six years of age—the cranial bones will fuse andremain fused for the rest of the child's life. During an infant's normalgrowth, forces within the infant's skull are directed outward and areconstant and equally distributed on the inner surface of the growingskull causing the skull to expand. Accordingly, a decrease of theintracranial pressure will cause a reduced head size. Similarly, anincrease in intracranial pressure will cause an increased head size.

Fibrous bands of tissue, called cranial sutures, fill the space betweenthe bones and connect the bones of the skull to each other. Thesecranial sutures are strong and elastic, providing a flexibility to theskull to allow rapid brain growth during the first months of life.Without the sutures, a child would suffer brain damage due toconstriction of the brain during the period of normal growth.

During the first few months of an infants' life, however, the infant ismost susceptible to the formation of synostotic or non-synostoticdeformities in the cranium. Synostotic deformities are a result ofcraniosynostosis, which is a birth defect of the skull characterized bypremature closure of one or more of the cranial sutures.Craniosynostosis can be hereditary or the result of a metabolic disease,and is characterized by an abnormally-shaped skull and potential forabnormal intracranial pressure, mental retardation, seizures, andblindness.

On the other hand, non-synostotic deformities, in which the cranialsutures remain open, are caused by environmental conditions, includingpremature birth, torticollis (twisting of the neck muscles beyond theirnormal position), or the preferred sleeping position of the child. Inaddition, neurological abnormalities, such as paralysis, cerebral palsy,or some sort of developmental delay, may predispose a child to cranialpositioning problems. Non-synostotic deformities are also calledpositional deformities.

Synostotic and non-synostotic deformities manifest themselves in avariety of ways. Plagiocephaly, for example, is a cranial deformityresulting in an asymmetric head shape. Plagiocephaly consists of a focalarea of flattening in the anterior or posterior aspect of one side ofthe head, which also commonly produces additional compensatorydeformities in adjacent areas of the skull, skull base, and face,including the orbital (eye) and mandibular (jaw) structures. Thisdeformity most commonly occurs in the posterior aspect of the head(posterior plagiocephaly), resulting in a focal area of flattening onthat side and a compensatory prominence, or bulge, on the other side. Inaddition, the deformity produces anterior displacement of the ear, earcanal, temporomandibular (jaw) joint, forehead and orbital structures onthe same side. Cranial deformities may also be classified, inter alia,as brachycephaly (a short, wide head shape), scaphocephaly (a 5 long,narrow head shape), and turricephaly (a pointed head shape).

Non-synostotic posterior plagiocephaly is a very common problem forwhich parents seek evaluation and recommendations from their familyphysician or pediatrician. The incidence of this abnormality hasincreased significantly since publication of recommendations by theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics that neonates (infants) should be put tosleep on their back rather than face down. These recommendations weremade to reduce the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) byeliminating airway and respiratory compromise in the prone (face-down)position, which the Academy considered a possible contributor to theSIDS problem.

The usual method of attempting to treat these deformities involvestrying to reposition the child during sleep. The most common adjunctsavailable to assist with this treatment are flat- and wedge-shaped foampads. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,923 (filed Nov. 22, 2000) (issuedNov. 5, 2002) discloses a body pillow and head positioner attached to amat. The device is intended to maintain the infant's supine positionwhile reducing the risk of positional plagiocephaly by causing the headto rotate to the side while maintaining the infant's supine position.

Simply put, repositioning, even with foam padding, is ineffective fortreating or preventing these deformities, and even after treatment mostchildren do not obtain a perfectly normal head shape. Repositioningmerely distributes or disperses the forces over a larger area of thehead. The foam padding remains in contact with the skin and conforms thehead to an abnormal shape. Due to this ineffectiveness, a large numberof these children require additional treatment from five to ten monthsof age due to persistent or progressive deformities.

The additional treatment most often is by application of a custom-madeexternal orthosis, or helmet. See, e.g., Corrective Infant Helmet, U.S.Pat. No. 6,592,536 (filed Jan. 7, 2000) (issued Jul. 15, 2003);Therapeutic and Protective Infant Helmets, U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,324(filed Apr. 17, 1998) (issued Oct. 11, 1998). Such devices provide anexpanded area over the site of the deformity, thereby allowing forcorrection of the deformity over a three- to six-month period of timerelated to brain and skull growth and subsequent reshaping. Thisprolonged time of use is necessary because of the reduced rate of brainand skull growth during the six- to twelve-month time frame. Due to adecrease in the rate of brain and skull growth to approximate fiftypercent of the rate from birth to six months and increased stiffness ofbones and cranial sutures, the recommendation is to wear the helmetcontinuously for twenty-three hours each day for up to twelve months.But despite extended use of these helmets, deformities rarely return toa normal shape. In addition, many health insurance companies andprograms refuse to pay for these devices, leaving a large number ofinfants with no available treatment because of the relatively high costof the helmets.

Another approach to correcting cranial deformities is to soften thematerial on which the infant's head rests by using a foam pad or memoryfoam pillow. This method allows the redistribution of inwardly directedforces over a slightly larger surface area, but fails to adequatelycorrect cranial deformities because the softened material conforms tothe head shape. The material still contacts, and therefore appliesforces to, flattened areas instead of only the abnormal cranial bulges.Preventing cranial deformities with this approach is also ineffectivebecause forces continue to act directly on a focused area of the head.Forces acting on a smaller area of the head results in cranialflattening, and therefore an abnormal head shape, because the headconforms to the shape of the material at the point of contact.

Still another approach is to suspend the infant's head on a flexiblematerial, which, for example, may be a net with an open weave that keepsthe infant's head slightly elevated over the resting surface. See Methodand Apparatus to Prevent Positional Plagiocephaly in Infants, U.S. Pat.No. 6,052,849 (filed Mar. 18, 1999) (issued Apr. 25, 2000). Although theuse of an elastic stretchable material or netting may be slightly betterthan regular foam for preventing the development of flattened areas,these devices do not promote normal shaping due to the continuousapplication of external forces directed at a smaller posterior aspect ofthe infant's head. As with the “softened material” approach previouslydescribed, forces acting on a smaller area of the head results incranial flattening because the head conforms to the shape of thestretched material, thus resulting in an abnormal head shape in whichthe frontal areas are wider than the posterior aspect of the head.

After ten to twelve months of age, little, if any, correction of acranial deformity can be accomplished with non-operative treatmentbecause of reduced velocity of brain and skull growth, increasedthickness of bone, and reduced flexibility of the cranial sutures.Surgical intervention is typically the only effective treatment formoderate to severe deformities in children over twelve months of age.

The prior art for treating this condition does not directly address thecause of the problem, and therefore does not effectively treat thecondition. All other products and devices, including foam, elastic (andtherefore flexible) material or netting, merely distribute or disperseforces over a larger area of the head. Because these products anddevices remain in contact with the skin, they therefore conform thecranium to the abnormal shape. Thus, the prior art does not remove oreliminate the external forces at flattened areas of the cranium, butrather maintains an abnormal cranial shape and promotes a staticdeformity.

Currently there is no specific apparatus available to provide effectivecorrective and preventative treatment for non-synostotic cranialdeformities in the age range of birth to five months. To avoid thedifficulties and pitfalls associated with currently available devicesaimed at treating non-synostotic cranial deformities, the presentinvention discloses a corrective headrest for use at the very firstrecognition of development of a deformity. The headrest and method alloweffective treatment during the rapid period of brain and skull growth(birth to six months), thereby providing rapid correction of thedeformity. Children with predisposing conditions possibly requireprolonged treatment. Early effective treatment is the key to providingcomplete correction of these deformities.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a mattress incorporating a headrest forcorrecting and preventing the shape of an infant's abnormally-shapedcranium by applying external forces over time with the growth of aninfant to achieve normal shaping of the infant's head. Unlike the priorart, the present invention both 1) prevents abnormal shaping of aninfant's cranium by causing even growth of the infant's normally shapedhead and 2) provides forces that act unevenly across an abnormallyshaped cranium to correct existing cranial deformities. The embodimentsof the present invention include a mattress incorporating a headresthaving a depression that approximates the posterior and side aspects ofthe skull and head, with cervical, or neck, support. The headrest can beformed as part of the mattress or as a separate piece that fits and isreceived into a cavity in the mattress. The headrest material thatcontacts the infant's cranium is semi-rigid and relatively nonflexible,maintains its overall shape under stress, and demonstrates minimalsuperficial focal elasticity only at the site of cutaneous contact.

The mattress is concave with raised sides and maintains the infant in asupine position. A raised leg rest supports the infant's knees and helpsposition the infant so that the infant's head rests within thedepression in the headrest.

To correct existing cranial deformities, the headrest of the presentinvention applies inwardly-directed external forces only to areas ofbony prominence and minimizes (or altogether eliminates) these forces onthe areas of the skull that are less prominent (or flattened). Thepresent invention is non-conforming to the shape of an abnormal skull.The forces exerted allow for accelerated expansion of the skull in theless prominent (flattened) areas coincident with brain and skull growth,allowing for return to a normal symmetric cranial shape.

The headrest prevents development of abnormal cranial shaping byproviding a round, normally-shaped contour for the posterior and sideaspects of the head, even if the head is turned slightly to one side orthe other. Because the contour is normally shaped, substantially theentire surface area of the normally-shaped cranium that rests in thedepression continuously contacts the surface of the headrest. Moreover,because the contacting surface is semi-rigid, the surface will allow foreven cranial growth over this area of contact, thereby maintaining theinfant's normal head shape.

The preferred embodiment of the headrest of the present invention ismade from a self-skinning foam, which provides ease of cleaning as wellas flame retardant properties. Other embodiments of the presentinvention are made from other foam variants and/or materials, includingclosed cell foam and closed cell foam layered over or applied to morerigid solid or hollow plastic (e.g., PVC or nylon). In addition, thepresent invention may be made from open cell foam to which has beenapplied a surface treatment, such as a vinyl or other coating,impregnating paint into the surface during the molding process, orpainting the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention, as well as further objects and features thereof,are more clearly and fully set forth in the following description of thepreferred embodiments, which should be read with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the preferred embodiment alongsection line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an infant positioned in the preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention that incorporates a harness and leg rest;

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the preferred embodiment alongsection line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B depict the leg rest of the alternative embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an infant positioned in the alternativeembodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment ofthe mattress wherein a headrest portion of the top surface is inclinedrelative to a body portion of the mattress;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the second alternative embodiment alongsection line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 discloses a perspective view of a third alternative embodimentof the present invention having a removable headrest;

FIG. 12 illustrates a sectional view of the third alternative embodimentalong section line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a partially exploded view of the third alternativeembodiment; and

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the removable headrest of thethird embodiment in greater detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 depict the preferred embodiment of present invention,which is a mattress incorporating a headrest for preventing andcorrecting non-synostotic cranial deformities in infants.

FIGS. 1 and 3 show a perspective view of the mattress 20. FIG. 2illustrates a sectional view of the preferred embodiment along sectionline 2-2 of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the mattress 20 comprises a bottom surface22 and a top surface 24. A body portion 26 of the top surface 24 of themattress 20 is concave and has raised sides 28 to prevent an infantlying on the mattress 20 from rolling or moving from the infant'ssleeping or resting position, as shown in FIG. 3. A headrest portion 30of the mattress 20 further comprises a generally hemi-ellipsoidaldepression 32 in the top surface 24 that corresponds to the shape of anormal infantile cranium. A semi-rigid surface 34 of the depression 32is resilient, and preferably made of self-skinning foam. A ridge 36 isadjacent to one end of the depression 32, and a curved intermediatesurface 38 positioned between the ridge 36 and the body portion 26 ofthe mattress 20. A rim 40 defines a substantial portion of the outeredge of the depression 32.

The mattress 20 is preferably a single body molded from a self-skinningfoam material. Alternatively, the mattress 20 may be made from a numberof foam variants, including closed cell foam layered over higher densityfoam or layered over a more rigid solid or hollow plastic. In addition,the mattress 20 may be made from open cell foam to which has beenapplied a surface treatment such as, for example, using a vinyl or othercoating, impregnating paint into the surface during the molding process,or painting the surface.

FIG. 3 depicts the preferred embodiment of the present invention innormal operation for the correction of an abnormally shaped infantcranium 42. The mattress 20 is placed on a resting surface (not shown)so that the bottom surface 22 is in contact therewith. The infant'scranium 42 is placed in the depression 32 with the infant's cranium 42resting on the semi-rigid surface 34 of the depression 32 and theinfant's neck 44 being supported by the ridge 36. The infant's body 46is positioned in the body portion 26 of the mattress 20, where theraised sides 28 aid in preventing the infant 48 from rolling or movingfrom a sleeping or resting position. Initially the posterior and part ofthe side aspects of the infant's cranium 42 contact the semi-rigidsurface 34 in the depression 32, although during the sleep period theinfant's cranium 42 may roll to one side or the other. Throughout thesleep period, the infant's neck 44 is supported by the ridge 36. Theinfant's shoulders 50 are aligned in and cradled by the curvedintermediate surface 38.

As the infant's cranium 42 makes contact with the semi-rigid surface 34in the depression 32, the semi-rigid surface 34 provides external forcesacting on any abnormal bulges of the infant's cranium 42 and diminishesor eliminates external forces that act on abnormal depressions of theinfant's cranium 42. This contact reduces the net outward forces frombrain and skull growth at these bulges, and redirects the growth toareas of depression in the cranium 42 which are lightly touching or notin contact with the semi-rigid surface 34.

The mattress 20 works similarly to prevent cranial deformities. With theinfant's cranium 42 placed in the depression 32, the semi-rigid surface34 of the depression 32 matches the round, normally-shaped contour ofthe posterior and side aspects of the infant's cranium 42. Thus, thesemi-rigid surface 34 substantially and continuously contacts the entiresurface area of the cranium 42 within the depression 32. Forces from thesemi-rigid surface 34 act on the area of the cranium 42 in contact withthe semi-rigid surface 34. The resulting pressure causes the infant'scranium 42 to grow evenly and maintain its normal shape. In other words,the contour of the normally-shaped semi-rigid surface 34 allows for thedevelopment of normal cranial shaping regardless of the cranium's 42resting position by preventing abnormal growth (i.e., cranial bulges andcranial depressions) in the area of contact with the semi-rigid surface34. The pressure caused by the forces acting on the cranium from thesemi-rigid surface 34 is preferably substantially isometric.

FIG. 4 through FIG. 8 depict a first alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, the mattress 60comprises a bottom surface 62 and a top surface 64. A body portion 66 ofthe top surface 64 of the mattress 60 is concave and has raised sides 68to prevent an infant lying on the mattress 60 from rolling or movingfrom the infant's resting or sleeping position. The mattress 60 furthercomprises a generally hemi-ellipsoidal depression 70 in the top surface64 that corresponds to the shape of a normal infantile cranium. Asemi-rigid surface 72 of the depression 70 is resilient, and preferablymade of self-skinning foam. A ridge 74 is adjacent to one end of thedepression 70, and a curved intermediate surface 76 is positionedbetween the ridge 74 and concave body portion 66 of the mattress 60. Arim 78 defines a substantial portion of the outer edge of the depression70.

The mattress 60 of this alternative embodiment includes a leg rest 80for positioning an infant's legs thereon to increase the infant'scomfort and to more effectively immobilize the infant during use, aswill be described hereinafter. The leg rest 80 is preferably made fromfoam, although any material that comfortably supports the infant's legsmay be used. Flame retardant materials and water-resistant materials mayalso be preferred over other materials.

As shown by FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the bottom surface 86 of the leg rest80 conforms to the shape of the top surface 64 of the concave bodyportion 66 of the mattress 60 so that when the leg rest 80 is placed onthe top surface 64, the bottom surface 86 of the leg rest 80 is flushwith the top surface 64 of the body portion 66 of the mattress 60 (seeFIGS. 4 & 5). The leg rest 80 further comprises a first side 88 and asecond side 90 on which the infant's legs rest, the first side 88supporting the legs 82 above the knees 92 and the second side 90supporting the legs 82 below the knees 92 (see FIG. 8). The first side88 and second side 90 meet at an apex 93 and are each adjacent to thebottom surface 86 of the leg rest 80.

A positioning tab 94 protrudes from the bottom surface 86 of the legrest 80 and is preferably formed from the same material as the rest ofthe leg rest 80. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, a plurality ofpositioning slots 96 are longitudinally aligned in the top surface 64 ofthe concave body 66 portion of the mattress 60 and positioned to receivethe positioning tab 94. The positioning slots 96 are spaced toaccommodate the leg position of infants of different lengths. Byinserting the positioning tab 94 into one of the plurality of slots 96,the leg rest 80 may be longitudinally positioned for an infant's lengthand relatively immobilized.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, a three-point restraint harness 102with a leg strap 100 and two shoulder straps 104 is affixed to themattress 60. The non-buckling end of the leg strap 100 is stitched intothe top surface 64 of the mattress 60 adjacent to the end of themattress 60 opposite the headrest portion 106. Preferably thenon-buckling end of each of the shoulder straps 104 is stitched to therim 78 of the depression 70, although it is anticipated that theshoulder straps 104 could be secured to the ridge 74, the intermediatesurface 76, or the top surface 64 of the headrest portion 106 instead.It is also contemplated that other means of securing the harness 102 tothe mattress 60, such as fastening or adhesively securing the harness102 to the top surface 64, may be used. Alternatively the leg strap 100and shoulder straps 104 may be disposed through the mattress and securedto the bottom surface 62 using hook-and-loop materials or other securingmeans. Similarly, a single shoulder strap 104 could be looped throughsecuring slots (not shown) disposed through the headrest portion 106 ofthe mattress 60, as described with reference to FIG. 12. Moreover, otheralternative embodiments of the mattress 60 contemplate the use of otherrestraint harnesses, such as a five-point restraint harness.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first alternative embodiment of thepresent invention in normal operation with an infant 84 positioned onthe mattress 60. For correction of an abnormally shaped infant cranium105, the mattress 60 is placed on a resting surface (not shown) so thatthe bottom surface 62 is in contact therewith. Prior to placing theinfant 84 on the mattress 60, the leg rest 80 is moved to a positionaccommodating the size of the infant 84 such that when the infant'scranium 105 is placed in the depression 70, the infant's knees 92 willbe located over the apex 93 of the leg rest 80. In this position, theportion of the infant's legs 82 above the knees 92 is supported by thefirst side 88 of the leg rest 80, and the portion of the infant's legs82 below the knees 92 is supported by the second side 90 of the leg rest80.

The infant 84 is then placed in the mattress 60 in a supine positionwhere the infant's cranium 105 rests in the depression 70. When in thisposition, the infant's neck 108 rests on the ridge 74, which providessupport for the infant's neck 108 and makes sleeping and resting morecomfortable. The infant's body 110 rests on the concave body portion 66of the mattress 60. Should the infant 84 try to roll or move from asupine the position, the raised sides 68 of the top surface 64 impedethe rolling or moving action, thus helping to prevent the infant 84 frominadvertently repositioning to a sideways or prone position on themattress 60. Initially the posterior and part of the side aspects of theinfant's cranium 105 contact the semi-rigid surface 72 of the depression70, although during the sleep period the infant's cranium 105 may rollto one side or the other. In addition, the leg rest 80 aids inimmobilizing the infant 84 while providing greater comfort by allowing abend in the infant's legs 82. The infant's shoulders 112 are aligned inand cradled by the curved intermediate surface 76. The leg strap 100 andshoulder straps 104 of the restraint harness 102 are thereafter fastenedat the buckle 114. The leg strap 100 is placed across the leg strapguide 98 at the apex 93 of the leg rest 80, which helps to prohibitagitating contact between the leg strap 100 and the infant 84. Afterfastening the leg strap 100 to the shoulder straps 104, the harness 102is adjustable to the size of the infant's body 110, and the shoulderstraps 104 and leg strap 100 may be tightened to fit snugly butcomfortably thereabout.

As the infant's cranium 105 makes contact with the semi-rigid surface72, the semi-rigid surface 72 provides external forces acting on anyabnormal bulges of the infant's cranium 105 and diminishes or eliminatesexternal forces that act on abnormal depressions of the infant's cranium105. This contact reduces the net outward forces from brain and skullgrowth at the bulges, and redirects the growth to areas of depression inthe cranium that are lightly touching or not in contact with thesemi-rigid surface 72.

The mattress 60 works similarly to prevent cranial deformities. With theinfant's cranium 105 placed in the depression 70, the semi-rigid surface72 of the depression 70 matches the round, normally-shaped contour ofthe posterior and side aspects of the infant's cranium 105. Thus, thesemi-rigid surface 72 substantially and continuously contacts the entiresurface area of the cranium 105 within the depression 70. Forces fromthe semi-rigid surface 72 act on the area of the cranium 105 in contactwith the semi-rigid surface 72. The resulting pressure causes theinfant's cranium 105 to grow evenly and maintain its normal shape. Inother words, the contour of the normally-shaped semi-rigid surface 72allows for the development of normal cranial shaping regardless of thecranium's 105 resting position by preventing abnormal growth (i.e.,cranial bulges and cranial depressions) in the area of contact with thesemi-rigid surface 72. The pressure caused by the forces acting on thecranium from the semi-rigid surface 72 is preferably substantiallyisometric.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 (in combination with FIG. 6A & FIG. 6B) depict asecond alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 showsthis embodiment of the mattress 120 wherein a headrest portion 122 ofthe mattress 120 is angled relative to a body portion 124 of themattress 120.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the mattress 120 comprises a bottom surface126 and a top surface 128. A body portion 124 of the top surface 128 ofthe mattress 120 is concave and has raised sides 130 to prevent aninfant (not shown) lying on the mattress 120 from rolling or moving fromthe infant's resting or sleeping position. The top surface 128 of theheadrest portion 122 of the mattress 120 is inclined relative to thebody portion 124 of the mattress 120. The headrest portion 122 of themattress 120 further comprises a generally hemi-ellipsoidal depression132 in the top surface 128 of the headrest portion 122. The depression132 corresponds to the shape of a normal infantile cranium. A semi-rigidsurface 135 of the depression 132 is resilient, and preferably made ofself-skinning foam. A ridge 134 is adjacent to one end of the depression132, and a curved intermediate surface 136 is positioned between theridge 134 and the concave body portion 124 of the top surface 128. A rim138 defines a substantial portion of the depression 132.

This alternative embodiment includes a leg rest 80 for positioning aninfant's legs thereon to increase the infant's comfort and to moreeffectively immobilize the infant during use, as is described withreference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. This alternative embodiment alsocontemplates a three-point restraint harness 102 with a leg strap 100and two shoulder straps 104 affixed to the mattress 120, as has beenpreviously described with reference to the first alternative embodiment.Moreover, other alternative embodiments of the invention contemplate theuse of other restraint harnesses, such as a five-point restraintharness. Use of the harness 102 is as described with reference to FIG. 4through FIG. 8.

The mattress 120 is preferably a single body molded from a self-skinningfoam material. The mattress 120, however, may alternatively be made froma number of other materials, including closed cell foam layered overhigher density foam or layered over a more rigid solid or hollowplastic. In addition, the mattress 120 may be made from open cell foamto which has been applied a surface treatment such as, for example, avinyl or other coating, impregnating paint into the surface during themolding process, or painting the surface.

The embodiment disclosed by FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 is used in the samemanner as the previously-described embodiments to correct and preventabnormal cranial bulges and depressions in an infant's cranium. Becausethe headrest portion 122 of this is embodiment is angled relative to thebody portion 124 of the mattress, the infant's head will be supported atan angle relative to the infant's body. In combination with the supportprovided to the infant's neck from the ridge 134 and to the infant'sshoulders from the curved intermediate surface 136, this embodiment mayprovide a more comfortable resting position by elevating the infant'shead.

FIGS. 11 through 14 depict a third alternative embodiment of the presentinvention that incorporates a removable headrest 170. As shown in FIGS.11 through 13, and as shown in the embodiments previously described, amattress 160 has a top surface 164 having a body portion 162 that isconcave and has raised sides 166 to prevent an infant lying on themattress 160 from rolling or moving from the infant's sleeping orresting position. A leg rest 80 as has been previously described andshown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is placed on the top surface 164 forpositioning an infant's legs thereon to increase the infant's comfortand to more effectively immobilize the infant during use. A three-pointrestraint harness 102 with a leg strap 100 and two shoulder straps 104(or a five-point restraint harness) is also affixed to the mattress 160,as has been previously described with reference to FIG. 4 through FIG.10. The headrest portion 168 of the top surface 164 of the mattress 160includes a cavity 169 that is positioned, shaped, and sized to receivethe removable headrest 170.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11and 12. The cavity 169 is positioned, shaped, and sized to receive theremovable headrest 170 such that a sidewall 167 of the cavity 169contacts a side surface 183 of the headrest 170 so that the headrest 170fits snugly in the cavity 169. The two shoulder straps 104 of therestraint harness 102 extend through strap holes 171 disposed throughthe headrest portion 168 of the mattress 160 to the bottom surface 126.An opening of each of the strap holes 171 is positioned in the cavitysurface 165 such that it will align with one of the strap slots 184 inthe removable headrest 170 when the headrest 170 is placed into thecavity 169 (see FIG. 12). The ends of the shoulder straps 104 aresecured to the bottom surface 126 using a hook-and-loop material,although it is anticipated that other means of securing the shoulderstraps 104 to the bottom surface 126, such as adhesively securing orstitching, may be used. The shoulder straps 104 may thereafter bepositioned in the strap slots 184 of the removable headrest 170 as theheadrest 170 is received by the cavity 169.

Alternatively, instead of two shoulder straps 104 as shown in FIGS. 11through 13, a single strap 104 may be used by threading the strap 104downwardly through one strap hole 171 to the bottom surface 126, acrossthe bottom surface 126 of the mattress 160, upwardly through anotherstrap hole 171, and outwardly from the cavity surface 165. Thus, asingle strap 104 may be looped through the headrest portion 168 of themattress 160. As shown in FIG. 11, prior to placing the infant on themattress 160, the removable headrest 170 is inserted into the cavity169, which includes positioning the shoulder straps 104 through strapslots 184 in the headrest 170. The headrest's bottom surface 182contacts the cavity surface 165, while the headrest's side surface 183contacts the sidewall 167 of the cavity 169 to aid in immobilizing theheadrest 170 relative to the headrest portion 168 of the mattress 160.In alternative embodiments, the headrest 170 may additionally be securedto the cavity surface 165 using a hook-and-loop material or otherfastening means. Also prior to placing the infant on the mattress 160,the leg rest 80 is moved to a position accommodating the size of theinfant such that when the infant's cranium is placed in the depression172, the infant's knees will be located over the apex 93 of the leg rest80. The restraint harness 102 is secured about the infant as describedhereinabove with reference to the other disclosed embodiments.Thereafter, the infant is placed in the mattress 160 in a supineposition where the infant's cranium rests in the depression 172.

FIG. 14 depicts the removable headrest 170 in greater detail. Theremovable headrest 170 includes the bottom surface 182, the side surface183, and a semi-rigid top surface 174 having a generallyhemi-ellipsoidal depression 172 that corresponds to the shape of anormal infantile cranium. An outer rim 180 defines a substantial portionof the depression 172. The two strap slots 184 are disposed in the rim180 and extend through the headrest 170 to its bottom surface 182. Whilethe removable headrest 170 is itself preferably self-skinning foam, itmay alternatively be made from a number of foam variants or othermaterials, including closed cell foam layered over higher density foamor layered over a more rigid solid or hollow plastic. In addition, theremovable headrest 170 may be made from open cell foam to which has beenapplied a surface treatment such as a vinyl or other coating,impregnating paint into the surface during the molding process, orpainting the surface. Use of this third alternative embodiment tocorrect and/or prevent cranial deformities in infants is thereafter thesame as described with reference to the other embodiments.

The present invention is described above in terms of a preferredillustrative embodiment of a specifically described mattressincorporating a headrest, as well as alternative embodiments of thepresent invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatalternative constructions of such a mattress can be used in carrying outthe present invention. For example, although some of the embodimentsdescribed herein include a leg rest, other embodiments may not include aleg rest. Similarly, although some of the embodiments described hereininclude a three-point restraint harness, other embodiments may omit sucha harness or include an alternative type of harness (e.g., a five-pointrestraint harness). Accordingly, other aspects, features, and advantagesof the present invention may be obtained from a study of this disclosureand the drawings, along with the appended claims.

1. A mattress for supporting a sleeping or resting infant and forcorrecting the shape of an infant's abnormally-shaped craniumcomprising: a bottom surface; a top surface wherein at least a portionof said top surface has raised sides to prevent said infant from rollingor moving from a sleeping or resting position; a generallyhemi-ellipsoidal depression in said top surface, said depressioncorresponding to the shape of a normal infantile cranium, saiddepression having a semi-rigid surface for providing external forcesacting on abnormal cranial bulges of said infant's cranium; and saidsemi-rigid surface of said depression minimizing external forces actingon abnormal cranial depressions of said infant's cranium.
 2. Themattress of claim 1 wherein said portion of said top surface is concave.3. The mattress of claim 1 wherein said external forces acting onabnormal cranial depressions are eliminated.
 4. The mattress of claim 1further comprising a leg rest for supporting legs of said infant whilesaid infant is on said mattress, wherein the position of said leg restis adjustable relative to said top surface of said mattress.
 5. Themattress of claim 4 further comprising: at least one positioning slot insaid top surface; and a positioning tab protruding from said leg restfor insertion into one of said at least one positioning slots.
 6. Themattress of claim 4 or claim 5 wherein said leg rest further comprising:a leg rest bottom surface conforming to the shape of said top surface ofsaid mattress; and a leg rest top surface having a first side forsupporting the legs above said infant's knees, a second side forsupporting said legs below said knees, said first and second sidesjoining at an apex for supporting said knees.
 7. The mattress of claim 1further comprising a ridge adjacent to said depression for supportingthe neck of said infant.
 8. The mattress of claim 7 further comprising acurved surface adjacent to said ridge for cradling the shoulders of saidinfant.
 9. The mattress of claim 1 wherein said semi-rigid surface ofsaid depression is resilient.
 10. The mattress of claim 1 wherein saidsemi-rigid surface of said depression is self-skinning foam material.11. The mattress of claim 1 wherein said semi-rigid surface of saiddepression is open cell foam material with a surface treatment.
 12. Themattress of claim 1 further comprising a rim defining a substantialportion of said depression.
 13. The mattress of claim 1 furthercomprising a restraint harness attached to said mattress to restrainsaid infant in a supine position while said infant's cranium iscontacting said top surface.
 14. A mattress for supporting a sleeping orresting infant and for preventing abnormal shaping of an infant'snormally-shaped cranium comprising: a bottom surface; a top surfacewherein at least a portion of said top surface has raised sides forpreventing said infant from rolling or moving from a sleeping or restingposition; and a generally hemi-ellipsoidal depression in said topsurface, said depression corresponding to the shape of a normalinfantile cranium, said depression having a semi-rigid surface forcontacting and applying pressure to said infant's normally-shapedcranium to prevent development of abnormal cranial bulges and abnormalcranial depressions.
 15. The mattress of claim 14 wherein said portionof said top surface is concave.
 16. The mattress of claim 14 furthercomprising a leg rest for supporting legs of said infant while saidinfant is on said mattress, wherein the position of said leg rest isadjustable relative to said top surface of said mattress.
 17. Themattress of claim 16 further comprising: at least one positioning slotin said top surface; and a positioning tab protruding from said leg restfor insertion into one of said at least one positioning slots.
 18. Themattress of claim 16 or claim 17 wherein said leg rest furthercomprising: a bottom surface conforming to the shape of said top surfaceof said mattress; and a top surface having a first side for supportingthe legs above said infant's knees, a second side for supporting saidlegs below said knees, said first and second sides joining at an apexfor supporting said knees.
 19. The mattress of claim 14 furthercomprising a ridge adjacent to said depression for supporting the neckof said infant.
 20. The mattress of claim 19 further comprising a curvedsurface adjacent to said ridge for cradling the shoulders of saidinfant;
 21. The mattress of claim 14 wherein said pressure issubstantially isometric.
 22. The mattress of claim 14 wherein saidsemi-rigid surface of said depression is resilient.
 23. The mattress ofclaim 14 wherein said semi-rigid surface of said depression isself-skinning foam material.
 24. The mattress of claim 14 wherein saidsemi-rigid surface of said depression is open cell foam material with asurface treatment.
 25. The mattress of claim 14 further comprising a rimdefining a substantial portion of said depression.
 26. The mattress ofclaim 14 further comprising a restraint harness attached to saidmattress to restrain said infant in a supine position while saidinfant's cranium is contacting said top surface.
 27. A mattress forsupporting a sleeping or resting infant and for correcting the shape ofan infant's abnormally-shaped cranium comprising: a bottom surface; atop surface wherein at least a portion of said top surface has raisedsides for preventing the infant from rolling or moving from a sleepingor resting position; a headrest integral with said top surface, saidheadrest having a generally hemi-ellipsoidal depression that correspondsto the shape of a normal infantile cranium, said depression having asemi-rigid surface for providing external forces acting on abnormalcranial bulges of said infant's cranium; and said semi-rigid surface ofsaid depression minimizing external forces acting on abnormal cranialdepressions of said infant's cranium.
 28. The mattress of claim 27wherein said portion of said top surface is concave.
 29. The mattress ofclaim 27 wherein said external forces acting on abnormal cranialdepressions are eliminated.
 30. The mattress of claim 27 furthercomprising a rim defining a substantial portion of said depression. 31.The mattress of claim 27 further comprising a leg rest for supportinglegs of said infant while said infant is on said mattress, wherein theposition of said leg rest is adjustable relative to said top surface ofsaid mattress.
 32. The mattress of claim 31 further comprising: at leastone positioning slot in said top surface; and a positioning tabprotruding from said leg rest for insertion into one of said at leastone positioning slots.
 33. The mattress of claim 31 or claim 32 whereinsaid leg rest further comprising: a leg rest bottom surface conformingto the shape of said top surface of said mattress; and a leg rest topsurface having a first side for supporting the legs above said infant'sknees, a second side for supporting said legs below said knees, saidfirst and second sides joining at an apex for supporting said knees. 34.The mattress of claim 31 further comprising a ridge adjacent to saiddepression for supporting the neck of said infant.
 35. The mattress ofclaim 34 further comprising a curved surface adjacent to said ridge forcradling the shoulders of said infant.
 36. The mattress of claim 27wherein said semi-rigid surface of said depression is resilient.
 37. Themattress of claim 27 wherein said semi-rigid surface of said depressionis self-skinning foam material.
 38. The mattress of claim 27 whereinsaid semi-rigid surface of said depression is open cell foam materialwith a surface treatment.
 39. The mattress of claim 27 furthercomprising a restraint harness to restrain said infant in a supineposition.
 40. A mattress for supporting a sleeping or resting infant andfor preventing abnormal shaping of an infant's normally shaped craniumcomprising: a bottom surface; a top surface wherein at least a portionof said top surface has raised sides for preventing the infant fromrolling or moving from a sleeping or resting position; a headrestintegral with said top surface, said headrest having a generallyhemi-ellipsoidal depression that corresponds to the shape of a normalinfantile cranium, said depression having a semi-rigid surface forcontacting and applying pressure to said infant's normally-shapedcranium to prevent development of abnormal cranial bulges and abnormalcranial depressions.
 41. The mattress of claim 40 wherein said portionof said top surface is concave.
 42. The mattress of claim 40 furthercomprising a rim defining a substantial portion of said depression. 43.The mattress of claim 40 further comprising a leg rest for supportinglegs of said infant while said infant is on said mattress, wherein theposition of said leg rest is adjustable relative to said top surface ofsaid mattress.
 44. The mattress of claim 43 further comprising: at leastone positioning slot in said top surface; and 20 a positioning tabprotruding from said leg rest for insertion into one of said at leastone positioning slots.
 45. The mattress of claim 43 or claim 44 whereinsaid leg rest further comprising: a leg rest bottom surface conformingto the shape of said top surface of said mattress; and a leg rest topsurface having a first side for supporting the legs above said infant'sknees, a second side for supporting said legs below said knees, saidfirst and second sides joining at an apex for supporting said knees. 46.The mattress of claim 40 further comprising a ridge adjacent to saiddepression for supporting the neck of said infant.
 47. The mattress ofclaim 46 further comprising a curved surface adjacent to said ridge forcradling the shoulders of said infant.
 48. The mattress of claim 40wherein said pressure is substantially isometric.
 49. The mattress ofclaim 40 wherein said semi-rigid surface of said depression isresilient.
 50. The mattress of claim 40 wherein said semi-rigid surfaceof said depression is self-skinning foam material.
 51. The mattress ofclaim 40 wherein said semi-rigid surface of said depression is open cellfoam material with a surface treatment.
 52. The mattress of claim 40further comprising a restraint harness to restrain said infant in asupine position.
 53. A mattress for supporting a sleeping or restinginfant and for correcting the shape of an infant's abnormally-shapedcranium comprising: a bottom surface; a top surface wherein at least aportion of said top surface has raised sides to prevent the infant fromrolling or moving from a sleeping or resting position; and a cavity insaid top surface positioned and sized to receive a removable headrest.